Are you ever too young to not care about a disease, especially one that is as prevalent as colon cancer? According to the Colon Cancer Alliance , the answer is no. They report that colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US. In fact, The American Cancer Society estimates that:

• 96,830 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 50,310 will die from the disease in 2014
• On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about 1 in 20 (5%); however, this varies widely according to individual risk factors

Even more alarming, the Colon Cancer Alliance reports that while rates for colon cancer in adults 50 and older have been declining, incidence rates in adults under 50 have been increasing. What should you know to protect your health?

• First and second degree relatives (children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews) of a person with a history of colon cancer are more likely to develop this disease themselves, especially if the relative had the cancer at a young age
• The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening starting at age 40 for these high-­‐risk individuals or 10 years earlier than the youngest age of colon cancer diagnosis for any affected relative¹

About 72% of cases arise in the colon and about 28% in the rectum². To help increase awareness of both, Ferndale^® Healthcare, the manufacturer of RectiCare^® (Lidocaine 5%) Anorectal Cream – a topical, local anesthetic which works quickly to provide relief from pain, itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids and other anorectal disorders – has partnered with the Colon Cancer Alliance, to ensure that people have their symptoms diagnosed by a doctor before self-­‐treating.

“It is tempting to try to ease anorectal pain and discomfort by going to the drugstore aisle and buying a product to help alleviate symptoms such as bleeding, pain, itching and soreness,” said Katherine Gunn, Product Manager for RectiCare^®. “However, these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. So, we are teaming with the Colon Cancer Alliance to help raise awareness of colon cancer among consumers of all ages. Once you know what is causing your symptoms, you can make more intelligent choices for your care.”

Should you be aware at every age and stage of your  life?  Absolutely.  As  the  Colon  Cancer  Alliance points out hereditary nonployposis colon cancer (HNPCC or  Lynch  Syndrome)  is  the  most  common type of inherited colon cancer, accounting for about 3-­‐5% of all colon cancer cases. If not closely monitored,  most  individuals  with  the  altered  gene  responsible  for  the  disease  develop  colon cancer, with the average age at diagnosis being only 42-­‐45, and a jarring 35-­‐40% being diagnosed before age 40. General screening  guidelines  recommend  a  colonoscopy  every  one  to  two  years, beginning  between  the  ages  of  20-­‐25,  or  five  years  earlier  than  the  youngest  age  of  diagnosis  in the family, whichever is sooner.3

RectiCare^® (Lidocaine 5%) Anorectal Cream retails for $29.99 and is available at Walgreens and Rite Aid stores without a prescription. For more information, product coupons or to speak with a company representative, please visit www.recticare.com.

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¹http://nevertooyoung.org/risk.html#sthash.8MvVaTl9.dpuf

²https://www.ccalliance.org/colorectal-cancer-information/facts-and-statistics

³https://www.ccalliance.org/about/never-too-young

 

 

About Ferndale Healthcare®, Inc.:

Ferndale Healthcare^®, Inc. is an affiliate of Ferndale Pharma Group Inc., a fully integrated holding company. Ferndale Healthcare® targets several key specialty markets which encompass disease states that range from benign anorectal

disorders to various skin conditions. The company’s mission is to provide high-­‐quality, value-­‐added products that help patients get back to what matters most in their lives—living well. Many of Ferndale Healthcare’s products are leaders in their respective categories.

 

About The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA):

The Colon Cancer Alliance, Inc. is a not-­‐for-­‐profit 501(c)3 corporation (EIN 86-­‐0947831). It is the leading national   patient advocacy organization dedicated to increasing colon cancer screening rates and survivorship. The Colon Cancer Alliance’s mission is to knock colon cancer out of the top three cancer killers, by championing prevention, funding cutting-­‐edge research and providing the highest quality patient support services. Read more information about the Colon Cancer Alliance at www.ccalliance.org.

 

Ferndale Healthcare^®, Inc., a company celebrated for meeting the changing needs of patients and healthcare professionals, is pleased to announce a three year partnership on behalf of its RectiCare^® (Lidocaine 5%) Anorectal Cream brand and the Colon Cancer Alliance, www.ccalliance.org. This non-­‐profit corporation is the nation’s leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to increasing colon cancer screening rates and survivorship.

In support of the partnership, RectiCare^® will implement various promotional efforts to help educate and raise awareness of colon cancer among consumers of all ages, alerting them to signs and symptoms of the third most prevalent cancer in the United States. “Consumers experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, soreness and pain are often tempted to self-­‐treat using a variety of over-­‐the-­‐counter preparations. They believe they have hemorrhoids, fissures, or other very common anal-­‐rectal maladies,” commented Katherine Gunn, Product Manager for RectiCare^®.

“Of course, we want to sell our brand, but we believe it is also our responsibility to encourage consumers to see their Physicians to rule out a serious underlying disease, such as colon cancer.” continued Gunn. “RectiCare is designed to manage the symptoms of benign anorectal conditions, helping to soothe and calm discomfort and pain.” RectiCare^® is a topical, local anesthetic cream, which contains the highest lidocaine strength available without a prescription. Recommended by Colon and Rectal Surgeons nationwide, RectiCare^® works quickly to help relieve pain, itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids and other anorectal disorders.

Through this partnership, RectiCare^® hopes to further the mission of the Colon Cancer Alliance and help end the suffering caused by colon cancer. In addition to generating awareness and educating consumers on this devastating disease, over the next three years, RectiCare^® is providing financial support to benefit the life saving programs of the Colon Cancer Alliance. Plans to add the Colon Cancer Alliance logo to the RectiCare^® website, product packaging, and collateral materials are currently in-­‐the-­‐works. For more information, please visit www.recticare.com or www.ferndalehealthcare.com.

About Ferndale Healthcare^®, Inc.:
# # #
Ferndale Healthcare^®, Inc. is an affiliate of Ferndale Pharma Group Inc., a fully integrated holding company. Ferndale Healthcare® targets several key specialty markets which encompass disease states that range from benign anorectal
disorders to various skin conditions. The company’s mission is to provide high-­‐quality, value-­‐added products that help patients get back to what matters most in their lives—living well. Many of Ferndale Healthcare’s products are leaders in their respective categories.
About The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA):

The Colon Cancer Alliance, Inc. is a not-­‐for-­‐profit 501(c)3 corporation (EIN 86-­‐0947831). The Colon Cancer Alliance’s mission is to knock colon cancer out of the top three cancer killers. This mission is being accomplished by championing prevention, funding cutting-edge research and providing the highest quality patient support services. Learn more at ccalliance.org.

PRESS RELEASE ON 11/16/2012

Ferndale, MI — A hemorrhoid can change your life . . . for the worse! It can, and usually does, manage to interfere with almost everything you do, from something as simple as sitting on a bus to enjoying a meal out with friends.

If you suspect you have a hemorrhoid or have confirmed this with your doctor and have a treatment plan, here’s an over the counter product you may want to add to increase your comfort and help restore your quality of life. Ferndale Healthcare^® has just launched RectiCare^® (Lidocaine 5%) Anorectal Cream, a topical, local anesthetic, which contains the highest non-prescription strength of lidocaine available. It works very quickly to relieve pain, itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids and other anorectal disorders. Each tube of RectiCare^® Cream comes with a supply of “finger cots,” little covers that fit over the finger. They promote hygienic application, since the finger (skin) doesn’t come into contact with the product or the area to which it’s being applied.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Most colon-rectal doctors, obstetricians and gastroenterologists agree that hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area. As this pressure increases, blood pools in veins, causing them to swell. Eventually, the swollen veins stretch the surrounding tissue, and a hemorrhoid develops. It can be located inside (internal) the rectum or outside (external). External hemorrhoids more commonly cause symptoms of pain and itching when irritated. Internal hemorrhoids generally are painless but can cause bleeding.

So, what you can you do to help prevent or lessen the discomfort of a hemorrhoid?

• Don’t rush to complete a bowel movement. Rushing and pushing can cause excessive straining and increase pressure on rectal veins.
• Ask your doctor if you have persistent diarrhea or constipation. These may contribute to straining and increase pressure on veins in the anal canal.
• Excess weight in your abdomen can be a factor.
• Pregnancy and labor may produce hemorrhoids. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to the pelvis and relax supportive tissues while the growing fetus causes increased pressure on blood vessels. During labor, hemorrhoids may develop because of the intense pressure on the anal area while pushing to deliver the baby. This may be unavoidable, but make sure to speak with your obstetrician to help get hemorrhoids under control after birth. If you have hemorrhoids before you get pregnant, you may also want to discuss some treatment options with your doctor.

Whatever caused your hemorrhoid, if it is bothering you, get much needed relief with products like RectiCare^® Cream. Available at drugstores without a prescription.

Visit www.recticare.com for more information. 

PRESS RELEASE ON 11/16/2012

Ferndale, MI — According to records kept by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more babies are born in August than any other month.^* A lot of hemorrhoids may also make an appearance around then, as the weight of pregnancy, coupled with pushing during labor, may conspire to deliver an unwelcome hemorrhoid!!!

So, August and September may find you as a new and frazzled Mom, who is in pain every time she sits down. For women who are contemplating beginning a family, or adding to the current crew (statistics seem to indicate you’d be planning this around November or December), obstetricians often advise dealing with existing hemorrhoids before becoming pregnant, as they are difficult to treat successfully during pregnancy. If a hemorrhoid has popped up post-partum do see your doctor for treatment options.

In the meantime, to provide a measure of comfort visit your local drugstore and look for, or ask your pharmacist for, new RectiCare^® (Lidocaine 5%) Anorectal Cream from Ferndale Healthcare^®. RectiCare^® Cream is a topical, local anesthetic, which contains the highest non-prescription lidocaine strength available. It works quickly to relieve pain, itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids and other anorectal disorders. And to help make life just a little bit easier, each tube of RectiCare^® Cream comes with a supply of “finger cots,” little covers that fit over the finger. They promote hygienic application, since the finger (skin) doesn’t come into contact with the product or the area to which it’s being applied.

It’s pretty clear how you became pregnant, but not always clear about why some women develop hemorrhoids and others don’t. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to the pelvis and relax supportive tissues, while the growing fetus causes increased pressure on blood vessels. During labor, hemorrhoids may develop because of the intense pressure on the anal area while pushing to deliver the baby. A hemorrhoid may be unavoidable, but caring for it is another matter. So, if your hemorrhoids are bothering you, get much needed relief with products like RectiCare^® Cream. If pregnant or breastfeeding, please ask your doctor before use.

Available at drugstores without a prescription.

Visit www.recticare.com for more information.

*The summer has been the top season for births in the United States, according to records kept by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and August often wins the title as the month during which the most babies are born. In 2006, the most recent year for which statistics are available, August had the most U.S. births, just as it did in 10 of the previous 16 years, with the CDC estimating that 9 percent of all births occurred then. February had the least.